Around the Lake

The vernal equinox marks a moment in the year when the sun is exactly above the equator and day and night are of equal length. In the northern hemisphere the vernal equinox falls around March 20 or 21, as the sun crosses the celestial equator going north. In the south, the equinox occurs on September 22 or 23. The vernal equinox also marks the beginning of spring, which lasts until the summer solstice. [Encyclopedia Britannica]

This article is being written in the beginning of January, but spring can’t come soon enough! This year’s vernal equinox will take place on March 20 at 11:32 am.

As spring makes its way toward Northeast Pennsylvania, you may want to visit the largest labyrinth garden in NEPA - right here in Greentown. It took five seasons for Carol Cannon-Nesco to complete this intricate masterpiece. Walking slowly through the maze while focusing on the surrounding flowers and ornamental grasses could help to calm and soothe any stress you might be experiencing. Appointments are required, so if you’d like to visit the garden, call 570-350-2517.

To further calm and soothe your soul, take a ride to Paradise Lavender Farm in Cresco. Once in season, you may pick your own lavender. The farm boasts a beautiful shop where you can purchase everything from lavender sachets to lavender lip balm. Special events and classes are sometimes offered, too. You can even rent the farm for special occasions. Call 570-269-8206 or go to paradiselavenderfarm.com to learn more.

There’s a new yoga studio in Newfoundland called Alternative Cure, offering meditation, reiki and yoga classes for everyone, including children and for those suffering from traum. Yoga classes include Kundalini, Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. Meditation classes are offered to all age groups and children’s meditation classes are free! What a great way to start a fresh new season! Alternative Cure is located at 1007 Main Street; their phone number is 570-390-0120.

For a more action-packed venue, check out The Wake Zone in Tafton. You will find indoor golf and shooting gallery simulators, as well as bowling, soccer, hockey and a bunch of other sports. Enjoy a cold one from the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company while you improve your game. You can even bring your own food to The Wake Zone! Call 570-390-8320 or visit their place on Route 507. Wally IceFest will be held at Lake Russell Maple Farm on February 5th and 6th. There will be two large fire pits, two entertainment tents, a beverage tent (all tents are heated), and a yurt! There will be skating, curling, hockey, food and drink on this beautiful property in Newfoundland. Look up the event at wallyicefest.com or on Facebook.

On Saturday, February 5th and February 12th, Eagle Watch Bus Tours are being offered from 10 am – 2 pm. Board the heated bus and learn about the eagles in our area. Scenic tours begin at the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake. Covid safety guidelines will be followed and masks will be required during the tour. Reserve your spot by going to delawarehighlands.org/events or by calling 570-226-3164.

Silver Birches is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner Theatre on February 11th and 12th starting at 5:30. Begin the evening with cocktails followed by dinner. The show begins at 8:30. Call 570-226-4388 for details and reservations.

The Settlers Inn in Hawley is offering a Valentine’s Day Dinner on Monday, February 14th with a prix fixe menu and live music. Dinner seating begins at 5:30. On the 20th of February, the Inn will have a President’s Day Weekend Brunch at 11:30, and later that evening, the restaurant it holding a Jazz Supper club at 6:00. In addition, The Settlers Inn’s popular Burger & a Brew event will continue every Tuesday at 5:30. Enjoy a burger, fries and a beer for $15.00. With warmer weather on the way, you might like to know that The Settlers Inn has expanded by adding ‘picnic’ cabins within Grant’s Woods, in back of the restaurant. You may choose from three menus while dining in one of the cabins, or sit outside by the fire pit or hammock chairs with your family and friends. Check out the inn and restaurant at thesettlersinn.com or call 570-226-2993.

Jim Thorpe’s WinterFest is taking place February 19 – 21. This event is free although some activities require fees. There will be live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, beautiful rides on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, ice carving, kids’ activities and food, drink and shopping specials. Call 888-546-8467 or go to poconomountains.com for details.

Stroudsburg’s WinterFest is a free event being held on February 19th from 11 am – 4 pm. Come out and see the Ice Safari featuring illuminated ice sculptures all around town. Shops and restaurants will be offering special deals during the day, too. Stroudsburg’s big event – its annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade - is scheduled for March 20th beginning at 1:30. The parade will begin at the Stroudsburg High School and will end on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg.

One of the largest parades in the country will take place on Saturday, March 12th in Scranton. Mass begins at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Cathedral; the parade kicks off at 11:45. Go to stpatparade.com for more information.

Lastly, have you heard of ‘igloo dining’? Several area eateries offer cozy, private igloos or enclosures so that you may dine in your own reserved space. Among the local restaurants offering igloo dining are Glass in Hawley, 570 226 1337; Bank & Vine in Wilkes-Barre, 570-901-4040; Peter’s Europa House in Shohola, 570-296-2624; State Street Grill in Clarks Summit, 570-585-5590.

Enjoy our great outdoors and have fun!